Rhoda Jatau, a Christian healthcare worker from northern Nigeria, has received international notice for her recent development wherein her request to have the allegations against her withdrawn was denied.
On November 27, the Bauchi State High Court decided that Jatau had to respond to the accusations, which included encouraging contempt of religious faith, instigating public commotion, and cyberstalking.
Jatau has been detained since May 20, 2022, after being accused of blasphemy in connection with a video that she purportedly posted that denounced the lynching of Deborah Yakubu, a Christian college student, in Sokoto.
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According to Islamic Shari’a law, the accusations made against her are the civil equivalent of blasphemy.
Human rights activist Solomon Mwantiri, together with Jatau’s legal team, have expressed dissatisfaction over the court’s decision.
The decision is particularly devastating to Jatau’s family, who have been hiding for their own protection since her incarceration.
UN specialists have taken notice of the matter; in October, they conveyed their concerns to the Nigerian government regarding Jatau’s apprehension and imprisonment.
They emphasised that Jatau was only utilising her rights to freedom of speech and to practise her chosen religion or believe.
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The experts also pointed out that since her detention, Jatau has only occasionally had access to legal representation and has been denied bail multiple times.
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